{"id":149673,"date":"2024-01-31T15:03:15","date_gmt":"2024-01-31T05:03:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/?p=149673"},"modified":"2024-01-31T15:03:16","modified_gmt":"2024-01-31T05:03:16","slug":"2024-afl-draft-race-to-1-finn-osullivan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/afl\/2024\/01\/31\/2024-afl-draft-race-to-1-finn-osullivan\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 AFL Draft | Race to #1: Finn O’Sullivan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

THERE is little that Finn O’Sullivan<\/a> is yet to achieve in the AFL talent pathway, making him arguably the frontrunner in the race to be 2024’s top prospect. The Koroit native is already an Under 18 All-Australian and enters his draft year as one of the most accomplished juniors nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While other pick one contenders have their own unique traits and clear points of difference, O’Sullivan is the all-rounder of the group. He’s one of the rare talents with close to no genuine weaknesses and blends all elements of the game with aplomb, in each third of the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> SCROLL for player highlights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cousin of Carlton star Sam Walsh<\/strong> shares similar traits in that aspect and in the sense that they’ve consistently dominated the junior levels. Among O’Sullivan’s accolades is the esteemed Kevin Sheehan Medal, which put him on the map during the 2022 Under 16 National Championships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O’Sullivan, who earned a scholarship at Xavier College, is tied to Metropolitan region Oakleigh Chargers but represents Vic Country. He will also turn out for the National Academy this year in hopes of strengthening his hold on the number one mantle, with plenty more football to be played.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Race to #1:<\/strong> Sid Draper<\/a> | Jagga Smith<\/a> | Josh Smillie<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Midfielder<\/span><\/div>

Finn O'Sullivan<\/h4>

Height: <\/span>182cm<\/p>

Weight: <\/span> - <\/p>

DOB: <\/span>30-05-2006<\/p><\/div><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

BY THE NUMBERS:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

2023 Coates Talent League (8 games)
<\/em><\/strong>22.1 disposals, 4.8 marks, 4.0 tackles, 5.6 inside 50s, 0.1 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2023 AFL U18 National Championships (3 games)
<\/em><\/strong>16.7 disposals, 4.0 marks, 3.0 tackles, 3.7 inside 50s, 0.7 goals<\/p>\n\n\n\n

>> Ones to watch:<\/strong> 24 AFL Draft prospects in 2024<\/a><\/p>\n

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STRENGTHS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

+ Inside-outside balance
+ Kick penetration
+ Overhead marking
+ Decision making
+ Versatility
+ Toughness<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O’Sullivan’s list of strengths is extensive, and truthfully extends past what is listed above. What stands out most is how good he is in so many areas, proving a natural and versatile footballer in every sense. In his primary post through midfield, that translates to an outstanding inside-outside balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Country kid is typically tough in contested situations, but powerful enough to step into space and gain metres with his booming kick. At 181cm as of 2023, O’Sullivan is gutsy in aerial contests and quite clean overhead – at trait which can also be observed in his stoppage craft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

O’Sullivan’s decision making and poise make it look like he has plenty of time in possession, though he also has a deceptive turn of speed which also helps manufacture pockets of space. From there, he tends to make good decisions and brings others into the game by hand and foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His big game ability is another handy trait which was evident during last year’s Under 18 National Championships. It’s genuinely difficult to find glaring areas of improvement for O’Sullivan, who is a high level operator with an evenly spread radar chart of attributes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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